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Arunachal Pradesh, a serene land tucked into the North Eastern tip of India, invites you to relax in its picturesque hills and valleys, enjoy its salubrious climate and meet its simple and hospitable people, with their glorious heritage of arts and crafts and colourful festivals that reflect their ancient faith in the inexorable power of nature. This is the first Indian soil to greet the morning sun. Dawn first illuminates Arunachal's border with China: a long border which stretches all the way from its east, over to its northern boundaries and down to its north- western edge where it merges with Tibet. To its west is Bhutan and on its southern end it touches Assam, Nagaland and Burma before sweeping up to China.

Arunachal Pradesh attained its statehood on 20th February 1987,Situated in the north eastern part of India is nearly 84,000 sq. km in area and has a long international border with Bhutan to the west (160 km), China to the north and north-east (1,080 km) and Burma to the east (1,440 km).

It stretches from snow-capped mountains in the north to the plains of Brahmaputra valley in the south. Arunachal is the largest state area-wise in the north-east region, even larger than Assam which is the most populous.

These divide the State into five river valleys : the Kameng, the Subansiri, the Siang, the Lohit and the Tirap. All these are fed by snow from the Himalayas and countless rivers and rivulets.

High mountains and dense forests have prevented intercommunication between tribes living in different river valleys.The mightiest of these rivers is Siang, called the Tsangpa in Tibet, which becomes the Brahmaputra after it is joined by the Dibang and the Lohit in the plains of Assam.

Isolation imposed by geography has led over twenty six major tribes with several dialects to live and flourish with their distinct identities. Nature has provided the people with a deep sense of beauty which finds delightful expression in their songs, dances and crafts.

Trees of great size, plentiful climbers and abundance of cane and bamboo make Arunachal evergreen. Tropical rain forests are to be found in the foothills and the hills in the east on the border with Burma. Northern most border is covered with Alpine forests.

The climate varies from hot and humid in the Shivalik range with heavy rainfall. It becomes progressively cold as one moves northwards to higher altitudes.

Amidst the highly rugged terrain, there are green forests and plateaus. The Apatani plateau, situated at an altitude of about 1500 meters and covering an area of over 32 sq. km is the most beautiful one. Situated in the same Lower Subansiri district at an altitude of 2400 meters is Tale, another plateau with dense forests of silvery fir trees.

Administratively, the State is divided into fifteen districts. Capital of the State is Itanagar in Papum Pare district (HQ- Yupia). People from all walks of life live here in peace and harmony.

The population of Arunachal is 1,091,117 according to 2001 census and is scattered over 12 towns and 3649 villages. The State has the lowest density of 13 persons per sq. km. As against decadal growth rate of 21.34% at the national level, the population of the State has grown by 26.21% over the period 1991-2001.

Arunachal Pradesh Art & Craft : Arunachal Pradesh is a land of beautiful handicrafts comprising wide range in variety. All the people have a tradition of artistic craftsmanship. A wide variety of crafts such as weaving painting, pottery, smithy work, basketry, woodcarving etc. are found among the people of Arunachal Pradesh.

Arunachal Pradesh Dances : Dances form a vital element in the zest and joy of living of the tribals. They dance on important rituals, during festivals and also for recreation occassionally. They vary from highly stylised religious dance dramas of the Buddhists to the martial steps and colourful performances of the Noctes and Wanchos.

Travel Information of Arunachal Pradesh

By Air :

The nearest airport is Lilabari (North Lakhimpur) in Assam, 57 kms from Naharlagun and 67 kms from Itanagar, served by Vayudoot. Indian Airlines operates direct flight from Calcutta to Tezpur ( 216 kms from Itanagar ) on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

By Rail :

The nearest railway station is Harmuty (near Banderdewa check gate) only 23 km from Naharlagun & 33 km from Itanagar. However nearest convenient railhead is North Lakhimpur in Assam, 50 km from Naharlagun & 60 km from Itanagar. Stations are served by No.9 and No.10 Arunachal Fast Passenger Trains and other local services.